Bengaluru, Oct 6 (NationPress) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Monday that the final decision regarding the extension of the deadline for the Socio-Economic and Academic Survey, widely referred to as the caste census, will rest with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He made these remarks while addressing inquiries about the caste census in Bengaluru.

“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is currently in Koppal district. Upon his return, he will engage with officials. After reviewing data from all districts, the progress made in each area will be assessed. Some districts have achieved up to 70% completion of the survey, while others are at 50% and some even at 80%. These districts are poised to finalize the census,” he explained.

“Approximately 80% of the survey has been accomplished, and for the remaining 20-25%, if we are granted an extension of four to five days, completion is feasible,” Parameshwara noted.

“Statewide, about 25% of the survey remains unfinished. There are indeed challenges in certain regions, including technical difficulties and issues faced by enumerators. We must complete the census, with the current deadline set for October 7 (Tuesday),” he added.

Addressing concerns from Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Union Minister V. Somanna regarding specific questions in the caste census, he stated, “Each individual, including Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar and Union Minister V. Somanna, has their opinions. We believe that certain aspects of the survey may not be entirely accurate. Minor confusions are natural during state-level surveys; achieving perfection is not always possible.”

He urged for cooperation, asserting, “If everyone collaborates, the survey can be finished. All must cooperate.”

In response to the BJP’s criticism suggesting that the latest report may meet the same fate as the discarded Kantharaju Commission report, Parameshwara remarked, “That is their perspective, and they are entitled to such claims. However, as a government, we will fulfill our responsibilities.”

When questioned whether the Congress-led government is leveraging the caste census to create a divide within the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, Parameshwara insisted that this was merely the opposition's viewpoint. “We, as a responsible government, are undertaking necessary actions. The government has made decisions after analyzing the pros and cons and reflecting on previous caste census surveys,” he affirmed.

The Karnataka Congress-led administration is expected to extend the October 7 deadline for completing the contentious Socio-Economic and Academic Survey. A brief deadline of 15 days, alongside technical issues and confusion, has left the survey unfinished.

Insiders suggest that the government may announce the extension by the end of the day or on Tuesday, likely lengthening the deadline by at least 10 days.

The caste census commenced on September 22 and is being executed by the State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC). Its objective is to gather data from approximately 7 crore individuals across 2 crore households using a 60-question questionnaire. The government claims that the survey will aid in formulating policies, reaching marginalized communities, and integrating them into the mainstream.